Cheer Daily
Shane James
Founder, Cheer Media
Shane James is the Founder and CEO of Cheer Media LLC, the parent company behind Cheer Daily, STUNT Daily, Dance Daily, and The Cheer Awards. Through Cheer Media, he has built one of the industry's largest digital media networks, connecting athletes, coaches, event producers, brands, and fans through trusted journalism, original content, and innovative technology. As Publisher of Cheer Daily and Founder of The Cheer Awards, Shane has helped redefine how the cheerleading industry celebrates its achievements while creating new opportunities for organizations to reach audiences through modern media. His work spans publishing, marketing, technology, live events, and digital strategy, with a focus on growing the sport and strengthening the businesses that support it. A former LSU Cheerleader and Associate Publisher of Inside Cheerleading Magazine, Shane has dedicated more than two decades to advancing cheerleading media. He is the co-author of Cheerleading: From Tryouts to Championships (2007) and the creator of several industry-changing initiatives that have influenced how the sport communicates, markets itself, and recognizes excellence. Today, Shane covers major cheerleading events across the United States and around the world, providing in-depth reporting, interviews, breaking news, and analysis from many of the sport's most significant competitions and championships. His work has helped make Cheer Daily a trusted source for timely, credible coverage throughout the global cheerleading community. From 2007 to 2016, Shane served on the USASF National Advisory Board, helping guide the growth and evolution of All Star cheerleading. His contributions have been recognized with induction into the UPA Hall of Fame in 2011 and selection to Cheer Biz News' 35 Under 35 in 2014 for his leadership and impact on the industry. In addition to his work in cheerleading, Shane covered 10 Gymnastics World Championships and three Olympic Games while with Inside Gymnastics Magazine, further establishing his experience in sports journalism and international event coverage.
Latest by Shane James
Coed Premier Selected as Cheerleading Discipline for The World Games 2029
Coed Premier has been selected for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany, using the same 12-athlete format the International Cheer Union has proposed for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
Nevada’s State Spirit Championship Returns After 15 Years
The Nevada Spirit State Championship will return March 5–6, 2027, as the NIAA restores statewide competition for high school cheer and dance programs.
Opinion: A Confidential Settlement Leaves the Cheerleading Industry With More Questions Than Answers
The legal war between USASF and Open Championship Series is over, but a confidential settlement leaves the industry in the dark. Without transparency on rules and trademarks, is this a resolution or just a quiet stalemate?
USASF, Open Championship Series and Deep South Resolve Antitrust and Trademark Disputes
The organizations issued a joint statement one day after a federal filing disclosed a confidential settlement in the Texas antitrust case.
The Cheerleading Worlds Introduces New 100-Point Score Sheet for 2027
The Cheerleading Worlds will use a new 100-point scoring system for USASF Club divisions in 2027, replacing the current 170-point format.
JAMZ Named Official Rules, Scoring and Education Partner of NIAA Spirit
JAMZ Cheer & Dance has been named the official rules, scoring and education partner of NIAA Spirit ahead of the Nevada Spirit State Championship’s return in March 2027.
Illinois Hires Former Team Captain MaKayla Gayler as Head Cheerleading Coach
Former captain MaKayla Gayler returns to Champaign to lead Illinois Cheer! The Illini alum takes the helm to drive a new era of Orange and Blue excellence on the sidelines.
Allstar World Championship Earns Guinness World Records Title as Largest Cheerleading Competition
HISTORY MADE! The Allstar World Championship officially smashes the Guinness World Record as the largest cheerleading competition ever, bringing a massive 33,061 athletes to the floor in Orlando.
Belinda Harvey Elected to USASF Board of Directors
A new era begins for the USASF as industry leader Belinda Harvey secures a seat on the Board of Directors. Expect major moves as she brings her elite expertise to the highest level of cheer governance.
HISTORY: A Federal Court Ruled College Cheer Could Not Count as a Sport
The 2010 Quinnipiac ruling rocked the industry, but it paved the way for A&T and STUNT to secure NCAA championship status. We break down the legal battle that redefined cheer as a varsity powerhouse.
The Cheer Awards™ Announce 2026 Winners, Hall of Fame and 40 Under 40
The elite have been crowned. From Hall of Fame legends to the 40 Under 40 trailblazers, The Cheer Awards™ just dropped the definitive list of 2026’s industry icons. See who took home the gold.
The Cheer Awards™ to Stream Live Worldwide on FloCheer, CheerDaily.com and CheerAwards.org on July 15
The industry's biggest night is going global! The Cheer Awards™ hits the world stage July 15 with a massive live stream on FloCheer and CheerDaily.com, celebrating the elite athletes and icons shaping the sport.
Attendance Tops 1,200 at The National Conference Weekend in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 1,200 members of the cheer and dance community gathered in Nashville over the weekend for The National Conference , highlighting the continued demand for education, networking and professional development acros
USASF Board Election Voting Opens for Eligible Coaches and Owners
The ballots are out and the stakes are high as eligible USASF members begin casting votes for the newest additions to the Board of Directors.
Redline Championships Sets Sights on Globe Life Field for 2027 Grand Slam Nationals
In a massive power move for the cheer industry, Redline Championships is taking over the home of the Texas Rangers for an elite two-day event in Arlington.
Dahlston Delgado Earns Emmy Nomination for Choreography on Stumble
History made on the big screen! Dahlston Delgado just locked in an Emmy nod for his game-changing choreography on 'Stumble,' proving cheer artistry belongs on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
The Cheer Awards Surpass 400,000 Community Interactions as Voting Momentum Continues
The Cheer Awards are officially shattering records with over 400,000 community interactions. The industry is on fire as fans flood the polls to crown the elite in cheerleading history.
Congress Turns Its Attention to Private Equity in Youth Sports. Here's Why It Matters to Cheerleading.
Capitol Hill is putting private equity’s grip on youth sports under the microscope. With gym buyouts surging, the future of cheerleading’s costs and competition landscape is officially on the clock.
Deep South Spirit's Kendall Hanbery Tapped for Daymond John's 'Next Level CEO' TV Series
The Deep South Spirit CEO joins Shark Tank's Daymond John for an episode on authentic branding, career paths beyond competition, and how the event producer scaled from four events to more than 30 a season.
The Cheer Awards Surpass Last Year’s Vote Total in Less Than a Week
More than 133,000 votes have already been cast as the community pushes The Cheer Awards to record-breaking participation.
Open Championship Series Hits Back After Federal Appeal Revives USASF Worlds Trademark War
A federal appeals court has reignited the legal firestorm between the USASF and The Open Championship Series, sending the fight over the 'Worlds' trademark back to a jury trial.
Eleventh Circuit Revives USASF Trademark Fight Over 'The Cheerleading Worlds'
A federal appeals court has revived USASF's trademark lawsuit over "The Cheerleading Worlds," reversing a lower court that ruled the marks generic. Here's what happened, what trademark terms like "generic," "descriptive," and "secondary meaning" actually mean, and what it means for the future of cheer.
The Cheer Awards 2026 Returns, Celebrating the Best in Cheerleading
Nominations are open as The Cheer Awards — powered by T-Mobile — returns to honor the athletes, coaches, programs, event producers, brands, and creators shaping the future of cheerleading. Winners revealed July 18 in Orlando.
Gabi Butler Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026
Gabi Butler’s latest recognition from TIME reflects both her individual influence and cheerleading’s growing place in the broader sports landscape.
James Speed Announces End of Historic 42-Year Run at Louisville
James Speed announced the end of his 42-year tenure with Louisville cheerleading, closing one of the most successful and influential coaching eras in collegiate cheer history.
Mascots Of America Launches New Branding Platform for Cheer & Dance Programs
A new company introduces mascot development, training, and merchandise services aimed at All-Star cheer and dance programs.
NBC Cancels “Stumble” After One Season
NBC has canceled “Stumble” after one season, closing out a rare network series focused on junior college cheerleading.
Kalahari Super Nationals Debuts as Sold-Out End-of-Season Event for Redline Championships
ROUND ROCK, Texas — The inaugural Kalahari Super Nationals has officially arrived—and it did so at full capacity. The three-day event, produced by Redline Championships, is scheduled for May 1–3 at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. More than 425 performances are set across the weekend as teams take the floor to close out their […]
Pro Cheer League Expands With Two New Teams, Doubles Schedule for Season Two
The Pro Cheer League expands to six teams and 10 matches in season two, signaling rapid growth for professional cheer.
Cheerleading & Dance Worlds 2026 Opens With More Than 14,000 Athletes
The Cheerleading Worlds and Dance Worlds opened in Orlando with more than 14,000 athletes competing across both championships.
ICU Elects Karl Olson as President After Passing of Founder Jeff Webb
The ICU names Karl Olson President as World Cheerleading Championships begin, marking a leadership transition during a key week for the sport.
Pro Cheer League Expands To Six Teams, Doubles Schedule For Season 2
The Pro Cheer League announced expansion to six teams, a 10-match schedule, and a Houston championship as Season 2 builds on its debut television success.
Louisiana Moves Toward Sanctioning High School Cheer And Dance
A Louisiana resolution encouraging official sanctioning of cheer, dance, and lacrosse moves forward, potentially reshaping safety standards, eligibility rules, and competitive structure statewide.
Varsity Brands Acquires Soccer.com in $400M Youth Sports Expansion
Varsity Brands has agreed to acquire Sports Endeavors, the parent company of Soccer.com, along with lacrosse retailer Lax.com, in transactions valued at up to $400 million.
Everything We Know About Pro Cheer League Season 2
The Pro Cheer League has confirmed Season 2, with additional announcements expected during NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach.
Dallas Drive Wins Inaugural Pro Cheer League Title on Tiebreaker
Dallas Drive and Miami Metal finish tied at 73, but Dallas claims the inaugural Pro Cheer League championship after winning the final match in Nashville.
Payouts Begin in $82.5M Cheer Settlement, Average Payout $8,181 to 5,831 Cheer Families
Only 5,831 claims were approved in the $82.5M Cheer Antitrust Settlement, with payouts ranging from $335 to $51,000.
Jeff Webb: The Man Who Built Cheerleading
Jeff Webb spent more than five decades shaping the modern cheerleading industry, founding UCA and building Varsity Spirit while helping transform cheerleading from a sideline activity into a global competitive sport.
Jeff Webb, Founder of Varsity Spirit and Architect of Modern Cheerleading, Dies After Accident
Jeff Webb (July 1, 1949 – March 19, 2026), the entrepreneur widely credited with transforming competitive cheerleading into a global industry, passed away March 19, 2026 at the age of 76 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the founder of Varsity Spirit and one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport of […]
Dallas Drive Earns First Pro Cheer League Win in Anaheim
Dallas Drive secured its first win of the 2026 Pro Cheer League season in Anaheim, claiming the match and a $15,000 prize after a dramatic fourth-quarter finish.